THE RSPCA is urging dog owners in Merseyside to make a plan for their pets as they prepare to return to as normal a life as possible next week.
All Covid lockdown rules will be lifted in England and the work from home order will end on Monday, dubbed Freedom Day.
Workers are expected to return to the office but the RSPCA is urging all dog owners to make a plan to help their pets cope with the change in routine.
Dr Samantha Gaines, the charity’s pet welfare expert, said: “The Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA) released its annual pet population data earlier this year, revealing that 3.2 million households in the UK have taken on a new pet during the pandemic.
“There are now an estimated 12 million dogs across the UK and, sadly, research suggests that around eight in 10 dogs can struggle to cope when left alone.
“Many families have taken on a new dog during lockdown and some of them may have never experienced being home alone, so this could pose real challenges after ‘Freedom Day’ in England.
“When we pop out to the shops or head out to work…
